Have you ever noticed how busy spring is? The earth wakes up after a winter rest.

In the spring, many animals have babies. Bears have cubs, sheep have lambs, horses have foals and chickens have chicks.

As for us, we love the longer days and the chance to get outside, play baseball, dig in the dirt and enjoy the season.

On a warm spring evening, you may even hear a chirping sound that resembles that of birds or crickets. But it is probably the spring peepers, tiny frogs living near the water.

Another sure sign of spring in our area is the return of the osprey, a large bird that hunts fish. They are migratory birds, meaning they spend the winter in the south in the warm temperatures and return in the summer. Once you spot an osprey, you know that spring is here.

Spring Flowers

When certain flowers appear & when certain trees begin to blossom, we know that spring is on its way.

Directions:1. Dig the dirt up well and rake it out.
2. Plant your spinach, lettuce and radish seeds in rows or patterns not too tight and very shallow. Cover with dirt.
3. Water well.
4. Peas need a support when planted. Put 3 long sticks together teepee style and plant the pea seed around the bottom of each stick. The plants will grow up the stick and make a nice pea trellis.
5. Now watch your garden grow.

Color a RainbowSat. March 11 (10-10:30am)-Search thru the woods for things that match the colors of the rainbow. Then create your own rainbow. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Port Republic: 410/535-5327.

Calling American GirlsSat. March 11 (2-4pm)-Read the American Girl series? Meet the author, Valerie Tripp. Watch the presentation of Molly and other dolls, a 1940s display, music and a craft activity. Bring an item to have autographed. Severna Park Library. rsvp: 410/222-6290.

Contest for PeaceBy March 15-Middle school students, enter an essay contest featuring peace and social justice. Cash prizes awarded. Essays are double spaced, less than 1200 words and must be postmarked by March 15. Include cover sheet with name, address, phone number or email address and name of teacher if applicable. Mail to: Peace Essay Contest, 310 Riverview Ave., Annapolis, 21401: 410/263-7409.

Springtime
Celebrate spring through music, crafts and wonderful stories. Make new friends at your local library. Storytime for preschoolers begins in March and runs through April at all 15 branches of the Anne Arundel County Public Library. Sessions are held once a week and last for 30 minutes. Ages 2-3 & 3-6. Contact your local library for more information.